Ocee Elementary Administration

Debbie Pernice, Principal

Welcome to Ocee Elementary School - a wonderful place in which to learn and grow! At Ocee, we strive to maximize our potential each and every day.

I was thrilled to begin my tenure as Principal of Ocee Elementary School in June 2008 and have very much enjoyed getting to know the wonderful students, staff, and families in the Ocee community. I began my career in education in New York, where I taught at a small school on Long Island. In 1992, my husband, Peter, and I moved with our two sons, Dan and Ryan, to North Fulton. I began teaching in Fulton County first at Crabapple Crossing ES and then later at Sweet Apple ES. After earning my leadership certificate, I spent four years at Medlock Bridge ES as the assistant principal before moving to Ocee. In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Counseling Education, I also earned my Educational Specialist degree in administration and supervision. I love being in classrooms and working with Ocee's dynamic staff and students. Parents, teachers, administrators and staff members at Ocee ES create a strong partnership where our students are the number one priority. I know you'll enjoy being part of this vibrant school community as much as I do!

Shannan LaPorte, Assistant Principal

I am so pleased to be a part of the fabulous Ocee community. I came to Ocee in 2004 as the Curriculum Support Teacher. In 2005 I was named as Ocee's Assistant Principal, and I have been serving in that role ever since.

I am one of those rare Atlanta natives and received my elementary and high school education from DeKalb County Schools. I received a B.S. in Mathematics from Emory University and an M.Ed. from Georgia State University. I also spent a post-graduate year studying abroad at the University of St. Andrews in St. Andrews, Scotland. I started as a teacher in Fulton County Schools in 1994. I taught first, third, fourth, and fifth grades and spent time as a Reading Recovery teacher and computer instructional specialist in my ten years in the classroom.

My husband, Tom, is a TAG teacher in Fulton County. When we are not working, we particularly enjoy traveling. We have been to all fifty states and are now planning on visiting all seven continents. I enjoy cooking as a hobby. I love to learn new recipes and try them out at home!

Jill O'Neill, CST

I have been a part of the Ocee family since 2001. I taught 4th and 5th grade at Ocee before becoming the Curriculum Support Teacher in 2007.

I grew up in a small town right outside of Athens and attended the University of Georgia where I received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. I taught 3rd grade in Gwinnett for three years before coming to Ocee. It was during that time that I received my M Ed. from Piedmont College.

My husband, Brian, and I have two beautiful sons, Evan and Drew. When I am not doing "all things curriculum", I enjoy spending my time reading and taking pictures, especially of my two boys.

I love getting the opportunity to work with the teachers, students and parents at Ocee. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!

Michelle Brantley, Counselor

Hello and welcome to the Ocee Elementary School website! My name is Michelle Brantley and I am the head counselor at Ocee. I have been at Ocee for four years now. I am the counselor for second, fourth grade, and fifth grades. I am also the Student Support Team chairperson and the Business Partner coordinator. I truly love my job!

I came to Ocee from Henry County, which is about 20 minutes south of Atlanta. I worked in Henry County schools first as a school social worker and then as a counselor. This is my tenth year as a counselor. I have worked in the middle and elementary school settings. I have my bachelor's degree from Georgia State University in social work, my master's degree from the University of Georgia in school social work, and my specialist's degree in education with an emphasis in counseling also from the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs! I am currently working on my degree in school leadership which doesn't leave much time for my wonderful family which includes three amazing men, 12, 9 and 38 years old. I look forward to a wonderful year at Ocee and look forward to meeting each and every one of you!